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Meet Maiya! Maiya is originally from Salmon Arm and has been living here in Kelowna for 12 years now. She enjoys hiking, playing volleyball and spending some quality time with her loved ones.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
From Salmon Arm originally, moved to Kelowna in 2007 (12 years).
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending my free time with my partner Dane & our sweet pupper Bailey.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I'm a bit biased of course but would have to say I love the store I manage, Funktional. We support all Canadian artists with a specific focus on BC & Okanagan made.
Describe yourself in one word.
Thoughtful.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Vancouver to squeeze my little baby niece Elliott.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love being outside! Whether its hiking Bear Creek or playing volleyball at City Park!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm honestly not sure! I'm a pretty awkward person in general.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being able to work with Chantal Couture (owner of Funktional and Frock & Fellow) has been incredibly inspiring for me! Seeing how she has grown her business in Kelowna over the last two decades as well as her incredible support of local artists as well as giving back to the community constantly inspires me to be the best version of myself.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Driving down from Salmon Arm with my family to Kelowna to spend the day at the Flinstones theme park & Scandia before enjoying a great meal at Saigon downtown!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I really enjoy coaching youth volleyball and have been involved with after school programs with Volleyball BC for the past 12 years.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Everyone just needs a little more compassion and kindness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love my alone time on my patio that overlooks downtown & Okanagan Lake, surrounded by my plant jungle.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
We're most definitely moving in the right direction but I would love for Kelowna to keep becoming more & more inclusive! The amount of people who have commented on how much they appreciate our Pride windows & our rainbow stickers on the door is incredible! I would love for all of Kelowna to be a safe space for everyone!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Everything from the local wineries & breweries to the awesome hiking trails & farmers markets!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Make it back to Australia again
Travel South East Asia
Get something published
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I actually have a Creative and Critical Studies degree from UBCO in Cultural Studies.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram @shopfunktional
What is the name of your business/organization?
Funktional
Why did you get into/start this business?
I sat down with Chantal 4 years ago and we made the decision to focus on local artisan and handmade goods.
What is the goal of your business?
Support local artists.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I lost my father as a teenager which was really hard on me.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
No regrets!
What do you always find yourself saying?
YAY
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be yourself & be kind to others, we're all we've got!"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michael Franti from Spearhead is a pretty incredible dude & I would love to spend a day in the life!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because that's the best way to support your community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating University! (I lost my dad halfway through and wasn't sure if it would happen)
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Arden Boehm! She is the rockstar manager behind our sister-store, Frock & Fellow.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Arden Boehm
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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